A SIXTH form student and Whitchurch resident will be traveling to Morogoro in Tanzania in July to volunteer in a maternity hospital.

Devonport High School for Girls student India Hollinson, 17, has to raise more than £3,000 to be able to go to Africa — but has pledged to raise the money herself.

One of the biggest initiatives she has planned is a 'good old fashioned jumble sale', which will take place at the Guide Hall in Tavistock on Saturday, April 5 from 2.30pm. She is also having a raffle on April 6 at The Cornish Arms.

India said: 'I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to offer my help at this hospital. It's going to be a big challenge, particularly as most women who give birth in Africa do so in their own homes, so only the complicated births tend to take place in hospital.

'I am going to see some extremely difficult cases while I am there.'

On her return to the UK, India plans to do a midwifery degree. She has decided to embark on this challenging trip in the hope of gaining valuable first-hand experience of what a practising midwife faces on a day-to-day basis in a developing country.

India has expressed her thanks to everyone and to local businesses who have provided prizes for the raffle.

She said: 'Tavistock and Plymouth businesses have been extremely generous and have provided me with some fabulous raffle prizes.

'We have a three course lunch for two at the Hotel Endsleigh, Tamar Trails has given me vouchers as have Downings Butchers, Newells Travel, Just Ju in the Pannier market, Café India in Plymouth and ME Hairdressers.

'We've also been given an amazing item from local fashion designer Dae.WEAR as well as £500 worth of vouchers for Delta Force paintballing and a voucher to spend at The Life Centre, Plymouth High sports climbing and Marjon.

'Local businesses and members of the public have been absolutely brilliant. I want them all to know that I very much appreciate their support.'

If you would like to keep up to date with India's fundraising, you can 'like' 'India's volunteering trip to Tanzania' page on Facebook where you can donate or buy raffle tickets through the Paypal link on the page. Or go along to the jumble sale where you will be able to see the raffle prizes on display and buy tickets for the draw.